Chiefs Set to Host Broncos on Thursday Night Football

The Denver Broncos (1-4) travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs (4-1) tonight in this week’s Thursday Night Football matchup. 

A prime-time divisional matchup on deck.#DENvsKC x @nikkkkbonitto pic.twitter.com/QRhreK5Oe8

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 12, 2023

Denver’s Struggling Defense

The Broncos defense we’ve seen this year is one of, if not the worst, in the league and has been the achilles heel for the team.

Denver has given up an average of 450.6 yards per game along with 22 touchdowns on the year. This is not the ideal performance heading into a matchup with one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Denver also allows 187.6 rushing yards a game while giving up 36.2 points per game. These stats rank the worst among defenses in the NFL.

Kansas City’s offense has 1,905 yards on the year, and Denver has given up 2,253 yards to their opponents. At first glance, this matchup appears lopsided.

In order for the Broncos to keep this game somewhat competitive, though, the offense is going to have to perform. Russell Wilson has improved over the year and the Broncos will need a big night from him. Wilson has an almost 70% completion percentage and has thrown 11 touchdowns on the year with only two interceptions. Although Wilson may be having a good year, the squad might not be able to hang with one of the best offenses in the league.

The Broncos look to upset Kansas City after losing 15 straight to the Chiefs. If, however, Sean Payton and the team are not able to pull it off, the Broncos will tie the worst 6-game start ever in franchise history.

Kansas City’s Game Plan

Kansas City has been an offensive powerhouse for many years now. The Chiefs average 258 yards a game this season and one of Mahomes’ main targets has been tight end Travis Kelce.

Kelce left the game against the Minnesota Vikings last week in the second quarter after what appeared to be an ankle injury. Kelce leads the team in receptions and receiving yards with 27 and 222, respectively. Andy Reid commented on Kelce’s status in a press conference Wednesday. Reid said he would see how he moved around and felt prior to the game and that, so far, he’s been okay. 

Although the Broncos are 1-4 on the year, most of the games have been close losses. Reid says to disregard Denver’s record and that in the AFC West everyone goes out and battles each other. The Broncos have a newer team that is still trying to gel together. Reid praises Sean Payton’s coaching and recognizes the adjustment period Denver is in.

Despite the quick turnaround from Sunday, the Chiefs have had good days of preparation and are set on the game plan heading into tonight’s game.

Game Time

Due to many injuries on both sides, the teams will look for big performances from their rookies. Rashee Rice, Marvin Mims and Jaleel McLaughlin could all have big impacts in the game.

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1712468163344912891

The Chiefs are an 11-point favorite in tonight’s matchup. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. in Arrowhead Stadium.